Xenia T Hill

Xenia "Terry" Dimitriou Hill

On January 15, 2026, Xenia "Terry" Dimitriou Hill took her final bow on this earthly stage at the age of 94. Born in New York, NY, on January 1, 1932, she was the daughter of Thalis and Zoë Dimitriou, who emigrated from Cyprus in 1927. She married Herman Hill, with whom she raised five children: Christopher (Darlyn), Paula King (Charlie), Leslie Chapman-Henderson (Rob), Zoë LaPointe (Ricky), and Nicholas (Candy Jo). She was grandmother to 11 and great-grandmother to 10. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2017 and her son Christopher in 2022.

Terry spent her early years in Astoria, NY, during the Great Depression and the world war that followed, alongside her beloved brother George Dimitriou and cousin Steve Steele. Weekly trips to the movies with her father sparked a lifelong love of cinema and the performing arts.

After the war, the family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where she attended Granby High School and formed lasting friendships within a close-knit community of young Greek women. It was here that she adopted the name "Terry" and began actively pursuing her passion for the stage, appearing in numerous school productions, including Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

She met Herman Hill in 1954 while he was stationed in Norfolk with the U.S. Army. They married soon after and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, following his discharge from the Army. After Herman completed his degree at Washington University, the family relocated to Maryland, where his work with the space program allowed Terry and family close proximity to the historic achievements of NASA, including the opportunity for Terry and Herman to witness, along with many world dignitaries, the 1969 Apollo 11 lunar launch at Cape Kennedy.

In the late 1960s, Terry became active in civic life, taking on a leadership role in the Women's Democratic Club of Prince George's County. Living near Washington, D.C., she took advantage of the opportunity to immerse her children in art and culture through frequent visits to the Smithsonian and local museums. Later, in Severna Park, she became deeply involved in civic theatre, performing in or directing more than a dozen productions. As a young mother, Terry was always organizing trips for family to enjoy the outdoors, and visit friends and family in order to nurture the lifelong bonds with those that meant so much to her.

The family relocated to Florida in 1973. There, Terry became a well-known presence in the Central Florida theatre community, appearing on nearly every regional stage, earning awards, and supporting professional talent through agency work. She last appeared on stage at the Ice House Theatre at age 84, proudly noting she was "the first one off-book."

Known equally for her excellent cooking and hospitality, she created a beautiful home for her family that welcomed friends and colleagues alike, hosting countless holidays, parties, and celebrations.

Terry's embrace of life and all it offers was boundless. She loved meeting new people, enjoyed travel, and learning new things; even becoming a fan of the Florida Gators football team. A voracious reader, she devoured sometimes two paperbacks a week, her bookshelf chocked full. Above all, she cherished her family, welcoming each new member with joy and pride, seeing what was special about each one.

Her greatest gift was her ability to see and appreciate the best in people-a quality she carried with her throughout her life, including her last years in assisted living. Terry leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, loyalty, style, and grace that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A private memorial service will be held. In honor of her memory, donations may be made to the Sonnentag Theatre at the Ice House in Mount Dora, FL.